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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Seward County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Seward County, KS. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 1.5% effective rate, varies significantly by school district, fire district, and special taxing jurisdictions within county
1st Due
Dec 20
2nd Due
May 10
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Seward County, Kansas operates a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, public safety, infrastructure, and county operations. Property owners pay taxes based on their property's assessed value multiplied by the applicable tax rate, which varies by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts.

For the 2025 tax year, Seward County's effective property tax rate is approximately 1.5%, though this can vary significantly depending on which school district, fire district, and other special taxing jurisdictions your property falls within. Historical data shows residential property taxes have increased from $1,462 in 2005 to $2,825 in 2021, reflecting changes in both assessed values and tax rates. Unlike some states, Kansas does not impose a statewide assessment cap, meaning property values can increase without limitation based on market conditions.

Your actual tax rate depends on your specific location within Seward County, as different areas are served by different combinations of school districts, fire districts, library districts, and other special taxing authorities. Each of these entities adds its own levy to create your total tax rate.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County General0.3% - 0.4%Basic county services, roads, administration
School District0.8% - 1.0%Local school operations and facilities
Fire District0.05% - 0.1%Fire protection and emergency services
Library District0.02% - 0.05%Public library services
Special AssessmentsVariesBonds, drainage, other improvements
Total Estimated~1.5%Combined effective rate for FY 2025-2026

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year (taxes due in 2026). Your actual rate depends on which specific taxing districts serve your property location within Seward County. Contact the Seward County Clerk's office for your exact district combination and current rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Seward County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Dec 20
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
May 10
Delinquent after Apr 10
Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Seward County are triggered when property ownership changes or when new construction is completed mid-year. When you purchase property or complete improvements after the January 1st assessment date, the county assessor calculates a prorated tax bill for the difference between the old and new assessed values.

For example, if you buy a home in July that was previously assessed at $200,000 but now has a market value of $300,000, you'll receive a supplemental tax bill for the additional $100,000 in assessed value, prorated for the remaining months of the tax year (January through June of the following year). This supplemental bill is calculated using the same tax rate as your annual property tax and is typically due within 30 days of issuance.

New construction supplemental taxes apply once a Certificate of Occupancy is issued or when construction reaches a certain completion threshold, even if the project isn't finished. These ensure that new property value is captured for the current tax year rather than waiting until the next annual assessment cycle.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Home (No Credits Applied)

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $300,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.5%
  • Annual Tax: $4,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $375

$600,000 Home (With Homestead Credit)

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Assessment Growth Cap*: $0 (first year)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.5%
  • Annual Tax: $9,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $750

$1,000,000 Home (With Senior/Veteran Credits)

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Property Tax Relief Credit*: -$1,200
  • Net Annual Tax: $13,800
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,150

All credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Homestead credits limit assessment increases to protect against rapid valuation growth, while relief credits provide direct reductions to your tax bill.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Seward County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely tax payments. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to approximately 1/12th of your annual property tax bill, plus a small cushion as allowed by federal regulations. These funds are held in a non-interest bearing escrow account and used to pay your property taxes when due.

Property taxes in Seward County are due in two installments: the first half is due April 15th, and the second half is due October 15th. Your lender will typically pay these on your behalf a few days before the due dates to ensure timely payment. You should receive annual escrow statements showing deposits, payments made, and account balances.

If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender will adjust your monthly escrow payment accordingly. You may receive an escrow shortage notice requiring additional monthly payments or a one-time payment to cover any deficit. Conversely, if taxes decrease, you may receive a refund or reduced monthly payments.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Seward County property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: The first half is due April 15, 2026, and the second half is due October 15, 2026. Late payments accrue interest and penalties after these dates.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Kansas offers several tax credits that require annual application: Homestead Credit (limits assessment increases), Property Tax Relief for Seniors (K-40PT), and Relief for Seniors/Disabled Veterans (K-40SVR). None are automatic - you must file the appropriate forms with deadlines typically in April.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit doesn't reduce your property's assessed value, but rather caps how much your assessment can increase year-over-year (typically 10%). You must apply annually, and it only protects against assessment growth, not the full tax burden.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Seward County? A: Kansas requires annual reassessment of all properties as of January 1st each year. Assessment notices are typically mailed in March, with appeal deadlines in early May.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Interest begins accruing immediately after the due dates (April 15th and October 15th). Additional penalties may apply, and eventually, the county can pursue tax sale proceedings for severely delinquent accounts.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Seward County Treasurer's office for current online payment options and accepted methods. Many Kansas counties now offer online payment portals for convenience.

Q: Why do properties in the same neighborhood have different tax rates? A: While properties may be in the same county, they might fall within different school districts, fire districts, or other special taxing jurisdictions, each with their own levy rates that combine to create your total tax rate.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: You can appeal your assessment to the Seward County Board of Tax Appeals, typically within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice (usually by early May). Provide comparable sales data and evidence supporting your position.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
Tax Doc
Property Taxation Testimonykslegislature.gov
02
Table of Contents Introduction Department Officials ---------- ...ksrevenue.gov
03
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT BRIEF HOUSE ...kslegislature.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Infoares.sncoapps.us
05
County
County Clerk's Handbookksrevenue.gov
06
County
state of kansas - seward county - 2016admin.ks.gov
07
Download Bill Status CSVkslegislature.gov
08
Kansas Homestead Refund Programsksrevenue.gov
09
Tax Doc
Kansas Property Tax Relief for Low Income Seniorsksrevenue.gov
10
Download Bill Status CSVkslegislature.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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